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Alexander VorotnikovRussian and Soviet aviation commander
Date of Birth: 26.08.1878
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Content:
- Early Life and Military Career
- Officer Training and the Russo-Japanese War
- Post-War Career
- Pioneer in Russian Aviation
- Aerial Reconnaissance in World War I
- Higher Command in the Imperial Russian Air Force
- Service in the Red Army Air Force
- Command and Administrative Positions
- Technical Expertise
- Military Educational Roles
- Transition to Civil Aviation
- Later Life and Death
- Awards and Decorations
Early Life and Military Career
Birth and EducationOn August 30, 1899, a Russian aviator was born into the middle class. He joined the 133rd Simferopol Infantry Regiment as a volunteer on the same day. The following year, he enrolled in the Chuguev Infantry Cadet School.
Officer Training and the Russo-Japanese War
In 1902, he graduated from the Chuguev Infantry Cadet School as a sub-lieutenant in the 121st Penza Infantry Regiment. He received the rank of second lieutenant in September 1902.
From 1904 to 1905, he participated in the Russo-Japanese War, distinguishing himself in the battles of Tashichao, Liaoyang, and Mukden. He was wounded in the back during a battle near the village of Lagoulin on July 18, 1904.
Post-War Career
After the war, he held various positions in the Russian army, including commander of a "hunting team," regimental adjutant, and battalion adjutant. In 1910, he resigned from his position and joined the 3rd battalion as an adjutant and acting commander of the communications team.
Pioneer in Russian Aviation
Training and Flight ExaminationIn 1912, he was assigned to the Aviation Officer School of the Air Fleet Department. He became the commander of the NCO team at the school and successfully passed his exam as a pilot on July 9, 1912.
Aerial Reconnaissance in World War I
In October 1912, during maneuvers in the Warsaw Military District, he fulfilled the conditions for obtaining the title of military pilot. He was assigned to the 7th Aerostatic Company in January 1913 and became the commander of the 9th Corps Aviation Detachment in August 1913.
When World War I broke out, he deployed to the front in July 1914. He was awarded the rank of captain for his outstanding service in December 1914 and became commander of the 2nd Aviation Company in February 1915.
Higher Command in the Imperial Russian Air Force
In October 1916, he was appointed commander of the 2nd Aviation Division. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in April 1917 and to colonel in September 1917.
Service in the Red Army Air Force
Early RolesAfter the Russian Revolution, he joined the Red Army Air Force in February 1918 as an assistant inspector of aviation in the Western Front. He was elected commander of the 3rd Aviation Division in March 1918.
Command and Administrative Positions
Throughout 1918 and 1919, he held senior positions in the Red Army Air Force, including chief of aviation for the Western Military District, chief of the air force in the Moscow Military District, and chief of the Main Administration of the Red Army Air Force.
Technical Expertise
In December 1919, he became technical inspector of the Main Administration of the Red Army Air Force. He also served as an assistant chief for aviation and chief technical inspector from 1920 to 1924.
Military Educational Roles
He briefly commanded the 1st Military Aviation School of the Red Army Air Force in 1921. Later, he became a permanent member of the tactical section of the Scientific Committee at the Air Force Administration of the Red Army. He also served as a staff instructor at the Higher School of Military Camouflage.
Transition to Civil Aviation
Departure from Active ServiceHe was placed on the reserve list in December 1924. In 1925-1926, he worked in the Aviation Trust under the Main Administration of the Civil Air Fleet.
Later Life and Death
He passed away in Moscow on January 7, 1940, due to a cerebral hemorrhage.
Awards and Decorations
Russian Imperial AwardsOrder of Saint Stanislaus, 3rd class with swords and bow
Order of Saint Anna, 4th class
Order of Saint Vladimir with swords and bow
Order of Saint Anna, 3rd class with swords and bow
Order of Saint Anna, 2nd class with swords
Order of Saint Stanislaus, 2nd class with swords
George's Weapon
Soviet Award
Gold watch from the Revolutionary Military Council of the Republic
